This Week's Hottest Events: Kevin Spacey, John Malkovich, Paul Simon, and the Bridge School Benefit

We've got some really big names swinging through the city this week. Take your pick.

TheaterRichard III with Kevin Spacey Sam Mendes and Kevin Spacey reunite (who can forget their work together on American Beauty?) in a spellbinding adaptation of Shakespeare's Richard III. Tickets to the limited engagement (12 performances only) have been selling like hot cakes and cost a pretty penny (I heard as much as $400!). But we wouldn't expect Spacey and Mendes to grace the stage for anything less than a premium. When: Wed. 10/19 – Sat. 10/29Where: Curran Theatre, 445 Geary St.

MusicPaul SimonRolling Stone recently called Paul Simon's new album So Beautiful or So What, "his best since Graceland." Not that we need to twist your arm to see Paul Simon live. When: 7:30 p.m., Thurs. 10/20Where: The Greek Theatre, Hearst and Gayley, Berkeley

ConversationGabrielle Hamilton with Kim SeversonFoodies, don't miss this power talk hosted by City Arts & Lectures. Gabrielle Hamilton (of Prune fame in NYC) has been receiving nothing but accolades from critics and readers across the board for her book Blood, Bones, and Butter. On Thursday, she'll sit down with Kim Severson, the lauded food writer turned Atlanta bureau chief at The New York Times. When: 8 p.m., Thurs. 10/20Where: Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave.

Music Theophilus London He's been tearing up stages across with country with his rap and hip hop, and for good reason. If you haven't caught him yet, carve out a club night this week. You won't regret it.When: 9 p.m., Thurs. 10/20Where: Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell St.

ArtMarc FichouTen years ago, he worked with musical celebrities Madonna (think back to the metal tree in her Drowned World tour) and Ricky Martin. Now, French artist Marc Fichou has teamed up with Lauren Marsolier and has branched out into new realms, turning 3D sculptures into two-dimensional works. When: Through Sat. 11/5Where: E6, Robert Berman Gallery, 1632 Market St., Ste. B

Theater Infernal Comedy with John MalkovichFor one night only, John Malkovich tells the story of Jack Unterweger—the real-life Austrian serial killer who became a media sensation after penning an autobiography in prison—through monologues punctuated by operatic arias and a baroque orchestra. Disturbing and compelling? Yes. Funny, no. As it turns out, comedy may be a bit of a misnomer. When: 8 p.m., Fri. 10/21Where: Zellerbach Hall, Bancroft and Telegraph, Berkeley